Dawn
7th March 1969
DAC meeting to evolve an agreed formula: I will speak for the people, says Mujib
DACCA, March 6: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Awami League leader, said here last night “I will be with the people wherever I be. I will speak for the people. No one can take me away from the people.”
Asked by newsmen about the reports on the possibility of the formation of an interim government, he said: “I have not yet heard about it. I do not know anything about it. I read it in newspapers.”
Asked if he would join the interim government if such an offer was made, the Awami League leader said: “It is a hypothetical question.”
Replying to a question on the current political movement, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said: “I am not a leader. I am a worker. I will be with the people wherever I be. I will speak for the people.”
Sheikh Mujib, who leaves for Lahore today to attend the Central Democratic Action Committee meeting, said they would try to evolve an agreed formula at the DAC meeting before attending the round table conference, which resumes meeting on March 10 at Rawalpindi.
Replying to a question on the reopening of the parity issue, Sheikh Mujib said, he stood by what he had told the meeting at the Race Course. He had demanded representation on population basis while addressing a public meeting immediately after his release.
Sheikh Mujib said, he did not understand why the Government has not yet ordered a judicial inquiry into the firings during the recent political unrest. The officials found guilty should be “severely dealt with”, he added.
INQUIRY BY JUDGES
Replying to a question he said, “we may appeal” to the retired Judges to hold the inquiry if the Government did not institute an inquiry.
The Awami League leader demanded “Sufficient compensation” for the victims in the recent firings. He also demanded withdrawal of all cases, pending before courts, in connection with the movement.
Sheikh Mujib said, the response for contributions to the Relief Committee formed by him was “very good”. He also expressed the hope that sufficient funds would be raised for helping the victims of the recent movement.
The Awami League leader said, after his return from West Pakistan, he would visit all the places in East Wing where firings took place during the movement.
Sheikh Saheb said, he would begin the tour with addressing a public meeting in Narayanganj. This would be followed by visits to Noakhali, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Pabna, Khulna, Barisal and other places.
He said, he would also distribute among the thing victims the funds being collected by the Relief Committee, during his visits to the districts. -APP.
সুত্র: সংবাদপত্রে বঙ্গবন্ধু: পঞ্চম খণ্ড ॥ ষাটের দশক ॥ চতুর্থ পর্ব ॥ ১৯৬৯